Ukraine Enhances Air Defense with Gravehawk System
Ukraine is set to bolster its air defense capabilities with the introduction of a newly-developed ground-based system, known as Gravehawk, provided by the United Kingdom. This initiative, part of a substantial £4.5 billion ($5.51 billion) defense aid package, aims to enhance Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian aerial attacks. A total of 15 Gravehawk systems are expected to arrive in the nation this year, as confirmed by UK officials.
The Gravehawk system is designed to be compact, reportedly resembling the size of a shipping container, and utilizes various air-to-air missiles that are already part of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ arsenal. A UK government press release highlighted the urgency of this support, stating, “With Ukraine under constant Russian bombardment, the Gravehawk system will enhance Ukraine’s air defenses, allowing them to protect their cities, troops, and critical infrastructure.”
Support from the UK and Denmark
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s security, declaring, “Ukraine’s security is our security. We must continue to do everything possible to ensure that Ukraine is in the strongest position.” Starmer noted that the British public has consistently supported Ukraine and that UK firms are stepping up their efforts to improve the military capabilities of the nation.
The development of the Gravehawk system has also received financial backing from Denmark, showcasing a united front among allies in support of Ukraine. This collaborative effort underscores the ongoing commitment from Western nations to bolster Ukraine’s defenses amid ongoing conflict.
Prototypes and Testing
In a significant step forward, two prototypes of the Gravehawk system were tested in Ukraine last September. These tests are crucial for validating the system’s efficacy and operational readiness, particularly as Ukraine continues to face a relentless barrage of attacks.
The introduction of the Gravehawk system is expected to enhance Ukraine’s existing short-range air defense capabilities, which currently rely on a mix of basic anti-aircraft guns and advanced systems like NASAMS, albeit in limited quantities.
Previous Military Assistance
Earlier in 2023, Ukraine received a similar mobile air defense system that included a modified SupaCat truck-based launcher paired with AIM-132 ASRAAM short-range air-to-air missiles. This earlier support has laid the groundwork for the latest enhancements to Ukraine’s air defense infrastructure.
Additionally, various SupaCat-based systems capable of firing Brimstone-2 air-to-ground anti-armor missiles have also been delivered to Ukraine. These systems represent a strategic effort to diversify Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in the face of evolving threats.
FrankenSAM and Other Solutions
Furthermore, the Pentagon has initiated the FrankenSAM air defense solution, utilizing donated components from a range of air defense systems. These makeshift solutions are designed to address Ukraine’s diverse short-range air defense requirements, particularly as more advanced systems like NASAMS are in short supply.
Despite promises of support, the US has faced challenges in delivering the pledged systems to Ukraine, with only a few being sent by early last year. This delay has been attributed to a significant production backlog, exacerbated by rising global demand for the Raytheon-Kongsberg system.
